Author Information
Silent One
I was just one of them
No one knew I existed
For years I hoped
And hoped that things would change
I looked around to see who would stand out
Only a handful tried and they were arrested
Beaten up and left for dead
Brutally murdered
Fear enslaved me
I did not know that my turn would come
I myself had to change
The chief among cowards I was
I could not raise a finger
To air my discontentment
A man with no voice
The silent one
Fearful I was
Of the unknown, of death
Of torture, of standing out
Of imprisonment
Like an abused wife
Tormented daily
Abused physically and emotionally
Enough is enough I told myself
I could not take it anymore
I stood out and retaliated
I fought back with all vengeance
With all vigour
I could not take it anymore
I know there are many like me
Who were imprisoned by fear
Right there in the chains of doubt
In the clutches self unworthiness
What is better to live in fear of the unknown
Or to stand for your beliefs
To be tortured
To be arrested
To be called names
Even unto death
My silence would not have changed anything
My silence was indeed betrayal
Betrayal of what
Of my fundamental human rights as a citizen
My freedom of speech
Freedom of expression
Freedom of association
Now that the silent one has spoken
Now that the silent one has stood for his rights
Now that the silent one has stood his ground
The world indeed will realize that my silence was not ignorance
Let they also arise and speak out
Against propaganda
Against cheap politicking
Against corruption
Against the ills in our nation
The silent one has spoken
Let everyone hear and be moved to act
